Sambrooks had even more news on Monday: chef J.D. Woodward has been hired as executive chef of Star Fish, the near Heights restaurant at 191 Heights. In July Woodward left La Vista 101 as executive chef only two months after the restaurant re-launched. At that time the restaurant also parted ways with general manager and sommelier Jeb Stuart.

The moves within Sambrooks Management reunite Bento and Woodward, formerly of Goro & Gun, who served as chef de cuisine under Bento at Southern Goods, which announced in July it would not reopen after being shuttered by the fire. At that time Bento also announced he was returning to Underbelly Hospitality as chef de cuisine.

Sambrooks surprised many in the Houston restaurant community when he purchased the assets of Star Fish, Pi Pizza and Lee's Fried Chicken & Donuts following an unraveling of the former Cherry Pie Hospitality group. His new company also brought in in Houston native Steve Breaker to serve as director of operations.

Star Fish fans will want to know that Bento and team will begin by creating a special chef's tasting menu, served exclusively Tuesday through Thursday, beginning tomorrow, November 6. The six-course meal, $55 per person, will acquaint customers with the restaurant's new menu. Call Star Fish at 832-831-9820 to make a reservation as availability will be limited.

Greg Morago was a features editor and reporter for The Hartford Courant for 25 years before joining the Houston Chronicle as food editor in 2009. He writes about food, restaurants, spirits, travel, fashion and beauty. He is a native Arizonan and member of the Pima tribe of the Gila River Indian Community.